International Affairs Division
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. Copyright 2014 by the United States Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form print, electronic, or otherwise without the express written permission of the publisher.
Today, U.S. companies of all sizes are looking to the international marketplace for growth. This makes a world of sense. Outside U.S. borders are markets that represent 80% of the world s purchasing power, 92% of its economic growth, and 95% of its consumers. As the world has changed, so has the Chamber. We have greatly expanded our global footprint with eleven bilateral business councils, a dozen regional and country-focused initiatives and a growing presence in critical markets around the world including China, Brazil, the EU, India, and South Korea. The International Affairs Division of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce leads the business community s efforts to shape global policy. With unparalleled access to key decision makers in the United States and abroad, our aim is to make the case for the United States to reach out and seize the benefits of international engagement for all of America s workers, farmers, and companies. Headquartered near the White House and with representatives in key foreign capitals the U.S. Chamber s International Affairs Division is a powerful advocate for international economic engagement. Our experts work with leaders in business and government to vigorously advance pro-business trade and investment policies that create jobs and spur economic growth. 2014 is an exciting time to be conducting international business. We have an ambitious trade agenda including Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) that will help open up dynamic markets and create new opportunities around the globe. What follows is a brief overview of our programs, policy priorities, and recent accomplishments. The Chamber will do whatever it can to help our members while advocating for a level playing field. I encourage you to join with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in this great work. Myron Brilliant Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs U.S. Chamber of Commerce
About Us The vision of the International Affairs Division of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a world where free enterprise, competitive markets, and rulesbased trade and investment are the path to opportunity and prosperity for all. The Division has 70 policy experts and advocates based in our Washington, D.C. headquarters, as well as in Beijing, Brussels, Mexico City, New Delhi, Rio, and Seoul. Key assets also include: The American Chambers of Commerce Abroad, part of the U.S. Chamber Federation, includes 116 American Chambers of Commerce in 103 countries all around the globe. The Chamber s bilateral business councils work to advance commercial relations between the United States and key markets around the globe, including Bahrain, Brazil, Côte d Ivoire, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, South Africa, and Turkey. The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), an independent, non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber, helps emerging nations develop the free market practices and democratic institutions they need to succeed in the global economy. The U.S. Chamber s International Policy Committee (IPC) develops our policy positions relating to international trade and investment and makes recommendations to the Chamber s board of directors.
Policy Priorities Renew Trade Promotion Authority to allow the executive branch to negotiate new market-opening trade agreements in close consultation with Congress. Reach new trade and investment agreements to ignite U.S. economic growth, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, and the Trade in Services Agreement. Revitalize the World Trade Organization, starting with effective implementation of the new Trade Facilitation Agreement and conclusion of negotiations to expand the Information Technology Agreement. Press for negotiation of strong investment treaties with China, India, and other countries. Preserve continued access to trade finance through the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Modernize export controls to enhance national security and competitiveness. Align trade, regulatory, and competition policy to ensure open and competitive markets. Join the International Leadership Program Unparalleled advocacy on member issues in Washington and abroad Customized business development and high-level government relations support Access to heads of state and government and other senior foreign and U.S. officials Regular updates on trade and investment developments globally
Every year the International Affairs Division hosts Heads of state and government from around the world Minister-level officials from scores of countries Business missions to more than a dozen countries DC John Murphy, Vice President for International Affairs (left), and Chamber president and CEO Tom Donohue, unveil the website www.tradesupportsjobs.com. Ireland The Chamber hosts Ireland s Prime Minister, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, for an event honoring the country s presidency of the Council of the European Union. Turkey Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses Chamber members at the launch of the U.S.-Turkey Business Council. France President of the French Republic François Hollande meets with senior executives to discuss the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. China U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue (left) greets Chinese Premiere Li Keqiang in Beijing. Middle East Myron Brilliant, Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs (center), speaks during the official launch meeting of the Chamber s Middle East Commercial Center (MECC), which attracted over 300 business leaders and government officials from nearly 20 countries. Colombia Chamber Vice President for the Americas Jodi Bond greets Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos before a roundtable on trade and investment. Israel Myron Brilliant, Executive Vice President for International Affairs (right) meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) as part of the U.S.- Israel Business Initiative national security trade mission. South Africa Myanmar Chamber Vice President for Asia Tami Overby exchanges gifts with Myanmar President U Thein Sein. Brazil The Brazil-U.S. Business Council hosts a commercial dialogue featuring Francisco Sánchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. Chamber Vice President for African Affairs Scott Eisner (right) and U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (third from right) launch the U.S.-South Africa Business Council in Johannesburg. Japan U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry delivers the keynote speech at the 50th U.S.-Japan Business Conference.
1615 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20062-2000 Phone: 1-202-463-5460 Fax: 1-202-463-3114 www.uschamber.com